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Franklin (VA) man tragically dies in Suffolk (VA) accident

By Jim Lewis

A Franklin restaurant owner was killed when he was involved in a traffic accident in Suffolk around 1 a.m. Saturday.

John K. Vann was driving in Suffolk at the intersection of Gates Road and Wildwood Drive when he apparently lost control and his car left the road, the Virginian-Pilot reported.

Vann, 36, was thrown from his auto and died at the scene. His auto rolled several times before striking an embankment.

My condolences go out to Mr. Vann's family. According to his Wright Funeral Home obituary, Vann was a Franklin native and also owned Vann's BBQ and Catering at 22435 Scojo Drive in Franklin.

Vann is survived by his parents, Earl and Renea Vann of Franklin, daughter Barrett Ann McIver of Lexington, S.C., and others.

A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Tuesday at Wright Funeral Home in Franklin.

Though Vann's case remains under investigation, many rollover crashes can be traced to how some automobiles are built. My colleague Emily Mapp Brannon wrote earlier this year about U.S. Department of Transportation roof crush regulations.

The U.S. DOT ordered that new vehicle roofs have to withstand three times the weight of vehicles weighing up to 6,000 pounds. However, the American Association of Justice believes that the regulation is still not enough to protect drivers.

The safercar.gov Web site says that underinflated tires and worn tires alike increase the chances of a rollover accident. Loading too many people or too much cargo into an auto can also increase the chances of a rollover accident.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper,Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), near the NE North Carolina (NC) border and handles car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.

(MM)

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jim Lewis

Full post as published by Norfolk-Portsmouth Personal Injury Lawyer on September 28, 2009 (boomark / email).